Posted by: Karim Ali
Coffee with Karim
Ottawa Condo Moving Tips: What to Know Before You Move In or Out
Whether you’re selling your home or moving into a new one, there’s more to it than boxes and paperwork. Home maintenance plays a big role in how smoothly the whole process goes. Ignoring it can cost you money, delay your move, or lead to issues down the line. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to look out for before and after closing day—plus a few specific tips based on your Ottawa neighbourhood.
Neighbourhood-Specific Red Flags
Different areas in Ottawa come with different concerns. Here are a few we run into often:
Alta Vista (especially 1970s homes)
A lot of these homes have older insulation and ventilation setups. Before moving in, check the attic for signs of past leaks or poor insulation. Not only does this affect comfort, it can spike your heating bills fast.
Beacon Hill North
This area has known grading and drainage issues. If you’re selling, make sure your grading slopes away from the foundation. If you’re buying, inspect the basement and ask about previous water issues.
Centretown Condos
Older or underfunded condos in Centretown sometimes delay HVAC maintenance or stretch their reserve fund. Before you move in, review the status certificate carefully. Confirm the HVAC system was serviced recently, especially in units with wall-mounted systems.
Before You Move Out
Even if you’re not doing a full renovation, there are a few things you should take care of before handing over the keys:
Patch walls and touch-up paint
Buyers will notice scuffed walls and old nail holes. A bit of filler and some fresh paint goes a long way in making a home look cared for.
Clean or replace HVAC filters
A clogged filter puts strain on your furnace or A/C, and buyers can flag it during inspection. Change it out-it’s cheap and easy.
Fix anything noted in your pre-list inspection
If you’ve already done a pre-list home inspection (and you should), knock off as many fixes as you can. It helps avoid price renegotiations and builds buyer confidence.
Before You Move In
Once your offer’s accepted and you’re waiting to close, you’ve got a window to tackle some basic tasks that’ll make moving day less stressful.
Change or rekey the locks
You never really know how many copies of the keys are out there. Get a locksmith or swap the lock cylinders yourself. It’s quick and worth the peace of mind.
Find the main water shut-off valve
Every homeowner should know where it is. If there’s ever a burst pipe or a leak, you’ll need to act fast.
Schedule a deep clean or duct clean
Most sellers don’t leave a home spotless. Booking a pro cleaner the day before move-in makes your new place feel fresh. Duct cleaning is great if the previous owner had pets or renovations done.
Bonus: Want a Checklist?
If you’re like most people, remembering all this stuff is tough during a busy move. I’ve got a free printable checklist with everything on this list (plus a few extras I didn’t mention here). Let me know if you want a copy – happy to send it your way.
Final Thoughts
A smoother move doesn’t just come down to good packing. It’s about the prep work before you go and the smart fixes when you arrive. Doing these simple maintenance tasks before and after closing day helps protect your investment, avoids surprises, and makes your transition feel more organized.
If you ever want help figuring out what’s worth doing in your specific neighbourhood, or you’re not sure what buyers in Ottawa are expecting, feel free to reach out. I can give you a quick breakdown based on your home type and location.
Bonus tips before you go
1
Test all smoke and CO detectors. Replace batteries or upgrade units if they’re over 10 years old.
2
Label your electrical panel. If it’s not already done, take 30 minutes to do it—it’ll save you lots of time later.
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